Beijing offers to take in more German products
China's Premier Li Qiang told German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that Beijing is prepared to accept additional high-quality goods from Germany, according to a readout the Chinese foreign ministry issued late on Friday. The meeting in Beijing took place as the two governments attempt to stabilize commercial relations while protectionist pressures build between Europe and China.[S1][S2][S3]
Li also pressed for both countries to stand firmly behind free trade and open cooperation, the ministry's account of the talks said. Beyond goods, he pointed to intergovernmental consultation mechanisms as the vehicle for widening joint work in automobiles, chemicals, artificial intelligence, digital industries and green sectors.[S1][S4]
Xi adds a call for a pragmatic German approach
On the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping used his talks with Steinmeier to encourage Germany to adopt a rational, pragmatic and friendly stance toward China, according to the Reuters report. Xi's message pointed toward closer bilateral ties even as trade frictions between Beijing and Europe continue to grow.[S1]
The German president's visit comes at a delicate moment for commercial exchange between the two blocs, with the Chinese side publicly emphasizing openness to German products and cooperation while European concerns about protectionism persist. The readout did not indicate any specific commitments on volumes or timelines.[S1][S3]
